Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Europe and northern Asia. It grows 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Scots pine in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Scots pine at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: young needles (tea) |
| Native to | Europe and northern Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Invasive in | New Zealand (wilding conifer): check local rules before planting |
Is Scots pine toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: needles, resin
Needles and resin can cause mild stomach upset in pets; needle tea is a traditional drink for people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Scots pine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Japanese black pine: Both pines are susceptible to pine wilt disease, carried by the pinewood nematode and spread by Monochamus longhorn beetles in warm-summer areas. Evidence B
Questions about Scots pine
- How far apart should I plant Scots pine?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does Scots pine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Scots pine need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Scots pine?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Scots pine flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Scots pine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Needles and resin can cause mild stomach upset in pets; needle tea is a traditional drink for people.
- What grows well with Scots pine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Scots pine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Open-grown trees develop a flat orange-barked crown; the species is a susceptible host of pine wilt disease where the nematode occurs.
- Spreads as a wilding conifer in parts of the southern hemisphere.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis
- Lacebark pine Pinus bungeana